Virtue Based Ethical Systems

A detailed Summary of Virtue Based Ethical Systems


For centuries, philosophers have argued over a controversial issue of morality. Could a person who makes moral decisions unhappily be as moral as a person who makes them happily? One philosophy on that issue ranges as far back as Plato and Aristotle, this is the concept of virtue-based ethical systems. Pojman writes, "Virtue ethics centers on the heart of the agent-in his or her character." Virtue ethics seeks to mold the agent into a better person, not only guide their actions.

The Aretaic Critique Of Action-Based Ethical Systems

Quite recently in history many philosophers have begun to disagree with rule-governed ethical systems. These philosophers have four major criticisms about these systems. The first is that they lack a motivational component. Critics claim that action based ethics are uninspiring and boring, and that by creating a mentality of mindless conforming, they fail to motivate and inspire action. The second complaint is that the theological-legal system that action-based ethica


It is a fact that most of us learn by watching others and emulating them, this is the heart of virtue ethics. People like Jesus, Ghandi, and Mother Theresa are examples of excellent people who have lived moral lives. These lives set the example and inspire us to live lives similar to theirs, amidst the belief that these individuals seemed dull-witted and humorlessly bland or that they where unable to enjoy the enjoyable in life. But Pojman sees nothing bland or boring about the lives these people lived. He has a deep appreciation for their ability to give without end, and to find a higher way of living. For where would this world be without such outstandingly beautiful people? It is through these individuals that we can find that a higher way of living is available to us all, but it is up to us to journey in its direction.

Virtue ethics says that it is important to do the right thing, but also to have the requisite dispositions, motivations, and emotions in being good and doing right. The goal is to do good deeds, resist temptati

Some common words found in the essay are:
Ethical Systems, Ethics Virtue, Mother Theresa, Plato Aristotle, ethical systems, virtue ethics, action-based ethical systems, action-based ethical, people lived, virtue-based ethical systems, virtue-based ethical, person makes,

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